Neffiès is a tiny, picture-perfect village hidden in the countryside between the Haute Languedoc Natural Park mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. However, with a mere 1,000 inhabitants- called ‘Neffiessois’- it has all the essentials to enjoy the good life. Of course, the popular Mediaeval town of Pézenas is nearby. But you are also close to some magnificent natural sites like the Lac du Salagou and Cirque de Mourèze. From a culinary perspective you won’t be disappointed either, with two restaurants and a wine bar in the village and a Michelin-starred restaurant nearby.
Meeting points
The name of Neffiès was mentioned as early as 990 AD, including a church. It is not the same church you see today, which dates from the late 13th century, although it carries the same name: Église Saint-Alban. Neffiès even had a castle, of which three towers and two gates have remained. At the foot of the old castle’s entrance gate, you will find the inviting terraces of restaurant L’Escampette and the wine bar Aux Amis Winehouse. Both are popular meeting points where you can let your imagination run free about days gone by. And maybe imagine how the Neffiessois used to get water from the village’s fountain. It still stands strong on the Place Lieutenant Paul Gauffre, dating from the late 19th century and was used until every house had its own water in the 1950s.
Peek-throughs
The village itself is charming, with lovely peek-throughs to the real Southern French life. Here, shutters are naturally degraded into the perfect colour, and the balconies have beautifully ornamented balustrades. Apart from a bakery, a mobile pizza van, and a small post office, there are no shops in Neffiès. But you will find everything in neighbouring Roujan (a 5-minute drive) or Pézenas (a 15-minute drive). Restaurant Äponem is a must if you like an outstanding culinary experience. This Michelin-starred restaurant is in an 18th-century rectory overlooking Lake Vailhan (a 15-minute drive). You are also close to international airports (the one in Montpellier is 1 hour by car and the one in Béziers is half an hour). And within half an hour, you are on the beach or at the Étang de Thau to enjoy a fresh plate of oysters.
True soul
Maybe you only discover Neffiès’ true soul when staying at one of the holiday homes or living there. The community is an excellent mix of people from 20 different countries, creating a friendly and pleasant-to-live village. Here, people still greet each other and exchange the latest news. Every Thursday, the village comes to life during the weekly market at the Place Jean Jaurès. It includes a butcher and an oyster and mussel producer. And on the Rue Saint-Alban, you will find the second restaurant worth visiting: Le Very’table. During the festive season, many activities are organised, from walks and meals to concerts and parties. Not to forget to mention that many vineyards surround the village, producing some of the finest wines in the region under the Faugères appellation. Like I said, Neffiès has it all!
